House of Representatives Delves into Tourism Development in Bali's Kura Kura Special Economic Zone

Denpasar (ANTARA) - Commission VII of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia has conducted an in-depth review of tourism development in the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ). “We have heard about the construction of the Kura Kura Bali tourism destination, and the purpose of our visit here is to get a real picture of what Kura Kura Bali is, and what their future development goals are,” said the Head of the Commission VII Working Visit Team, Evita Nursanty. Speaking in Denpasar on Monday, Evita sought to ensure that this new tourism area, managed by PT Bali Turtle Island Development (BTID), is not solely focused on economic aspects but also provides added social and environmental value. “The potential is great for developing an integrated tourism zone, and we want to ensure that this development not only focuses on investment but also has a real impact on Balinese society,” she stated. During the review process, several issues emerged that the legislators believe need attention in the SEZ’s development, namely commitment to environmental sustainability and strengthening local culture. Regarding environmental sustainability, the Commission VII members highlighted circulating issues about the land swap status for the Kura Kura Bali SEZ, marina development, findings of mangrove felling, and the accumulation of waste at the Suwung landfill right on the access route to the area. “We have all read the media as well, and issues raised by the Kura Kura Bali SEZ management have been clarified, and there are indeed still waste problems nearby outside the area; now the regional government is carrying out control processes, even discussing water supply because this is 498 hectares, with over 300 hectares of reclamation,” said Evita. In response to the House of Representatives’ visit, the President Commissioner of PT BTID, Tantowi Yahya, explained that all tourism development in the Kura Kura Bali SEZ complies with regulations and does not damage the environmental ecosystem. “All the processes we carry out follow the laws and regulations beneath them; the technical challenges are more about perceptions developing in society, but that is a task we must resolve,” he said. Regarding the marina construction, Tantowi explained that the infrastructure is urgent, given that Indonesia does not yet have a marina while neighbouring countries like Singapore and Thailand have built many. With the presence of the marina, the economic impact will not only be felt in the area but also by local communities who will be absorbed as workers. “Hopefully, within five years, we can complete it after all processes run smoothly, following the existing regulations, because the need for a marina is urgent not only for Bali but for Indonesia,” he added.